Tor Cesay uses her voice for more than spitting bars. When she's not tearing up the stage as an MC, she's down with the issues. Kieran Yates catches up with her and chats poverty, her work with HOPE worldwide (an international charity set up in 1991), and how going to the developing world is one of the biggest thing on her agenda...

How do you feel about using your position as a celebrity to talk about global issues close to your heart?
I think it's really important. Poverty is a major issue close to me; seeing and working with poverty is something I'm definitely trying to take steps towards. I want to make an impact wherever I am. I do work with HOPE worldwide, where I do mentoring and charity work with people who are dealing with drug addictions. I've been out on the streets in London bucket collecting for the charity - I definitely don't think that I'm above that, and I have no problem taking to the streets.

Why is poverty such a major concern to you?
I think I just see the need to change, you know? I didn't grow up with a lot, and so it's an issue that is close to me. My aim is to do work with developing world countries. We become numb to what we see on the news, we become desensitised. I see these kids on TV (and we all see it) and we forget that they need us, and I want to do things with a purpose at the end of the day.

What's your take on role models for young people?
I think there are definitely role models out there. A lot of them are musical, and if the musicians have values outside of music then that's a positive focus. I personally want to be involved in things like community centres. Also I've been to prisons and been involved in doing workshops to help people with things like song writing and expressing things creatively. I think anything that helps people like prisoners stand on their own two feet is positive.

How important do you think it is for young people to be proactive?
I think it's really important to be involved. You hear a lot of 'I don't do politics' type of stuff - I'm not saying I'm some political enthusiast, but I'm trying to be aware, by getting educated and understanding a bit more about parliament and the governing bodies that can get things done. Sometimes musicians have the right heart if they have a message in their lyrics but a bigger impact can be had in political awareness. I want to be aware, and know how and where I can make a difference.

So are you planning a trip to somewhere in the developing world?
Definitely. I'm working with HOPE right now, where they have schemes with villages in India. There is village in Delhi that they have worked with over the years...And my mates have been to help out there too. They also have schemes in Africa that I want to be involved in - it's actually the biggest thing on my agenda.

What differences would you like to see?
I think I'd like to see more youth centres, campaigning, support for families and counselling in the home. You know, a lot of problems can escalate from the home, and social change can happen - it just takes something little to get the ball rolling. Sometimes it can feel impossible to make a difference, but it isn't.

Tor's album 'Beatz International' is out now.

For more information on HOPE worldwide, visit www.hopeww.org

Picture From - thecitywakes.org.uk/images/tor433.jpg